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The best window air conditioners of 2022, according to home experts

These top-rated window-mounted ACs will keep you cool and comfortable

best ac units
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best ac units
SOURCE: .
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The best window air conditioners of 2022, according to home experts

These top-rated window-mounted ACs will keep you cool and comfortable

About a quarter of American households have a window air conditioner, according to the . Given the country's 124 million occupied homes, that's a lot of ACs humming away on hot, summer days.

No wonder manufacturers keep turning out new models, often with improved cooling power, higher efficiency and more user-friendly features, like the ability to power on the equipment remotely so that it's nice and cool when you get home.

The engineers and product experts at the do continuous testing of window air conditioners to keep tabs on the market's top-performing units, collecting more than a dozen data points over several months for each tested model. Through decades of evaluations, we know which brands have the best track records and which new features are worth the splurge. The following models have been hand-picked by our pros to accommodate room sizes ranging from 150 square feet to 450 square feet. Find the one that's right for you, and stay cool all summer long.

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  • Best Overall Window Air Conditioner:
  • Best Value Window Air Conditioner:
  • Quietest Window Air Conditioner:
  • Best Smart Window Air Conditioner:
  • Best window air conditioner for large rooms:

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Home Depot

BEST OVERALL WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER

homedepot.com
$289.00

8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

This LG model comes with three cooling and fan speeds, including an energy-saver option that will help keep your electricity bills in check. Its 8,000-BTU capacity can cover 340 square feet, so it can easily be used in a large master bedroom, or even a small studio apartment. Our testers were impressed by the straightforward installation and full-function remote, enabling you to adjust the temp from bed. We also like all the bonus features, including sleep mode, 24-hour on/off timer and varying speeds. The LG is also very quiet when operating at a low fan speed.

Cooling area: 340 square feet
BTUs: 8,000
Dimensions: 19.6" x 19.4" x 12.4"
Weight: 58 pounds

Home Depot

BEST VALUE WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER

homedepot.com
$184.37

FFRA0511R1 Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

This window-mounted air conditioner is a huge seller, with more than 10,000 reviews on Amazon averaging 4.5 stars. Our engineers like it too because it's so easy to install, requiring just a screwdriver with the included mounting kit.

The 5,000-BTU model isn't meant for sprawling spaces, but in a bedroom or modest family room it should deliver plenty of cooling power. The unit is also a steal, with comparable models costing twice as much. In terms of usability, our testers loved its intuitive controls.

Cooling area: 150 square feet
BTUs: 5,000
Dimensions: 16" x 15.25" x 12"
Weight: 41 pound

Amazon

QUIETEST WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER

amazon.com
$379.99

U Inverter Window Air Conditioner

The basic mechanics of window ACs haven't changed much over the decades. That's why our engineers give props to this Midea, whose innovative U-shaped design makes for incredibly quiet operation, even as it pumps out enough cool air for spaces up to 350 square feet.

The unique design also means you can still open and close the window after the unit is installed, something we haven't seen before — and a nice option on breezy, temperate days. The Midea is easy to operate, thanks to the intuitive controls and Wi-Fi connectivity, and our experts note that the reusable filter is a cinch to access and can be washed in plain water.

Cooling area: 350 square feet
BTUs: 8,000
Dimensions: 21.9" x 19.17" x 13.26"
Weight: 55.55 pounds

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BEST SMART WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER

amazon.com
$320.00

Energy Star Window Smart Room Air Conditioner

Our product pros have watched GE make significant forays into the smart home space, including Wi-Fi-enabled ranges, laundry appliances and more. We're equally impressed by the connectivity of this 8,000-BTU window air conditioners, including the ease with which you can switch between its three fan settings and three modes via your smartphone or voice control.

You can also control it directly on the device or with use of the remote control. The window AC is compatible with Alexa, Apple Home Kit and Google Assistant, meaning it can be integrated into just about any smart home ecosystem. Intelligence aside, the GE also does its primary job of cooling large spaces extremely well.

Cooling Area: 400 square feet
BTUs: 8,000
Dimensions: 23.6" x 15.9" x 22.6"
Weight: 51 pounds

BEST WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER FOR LARGE ROOMS

amazon.com
$589.00
$499.00

10,000 BTU Cool Connect Smart Window Air Conditioner

If you think air conditioners are an eyesore, this Frigidaire is one to consider. Sleeker than most, the modern-looking AC unit is also Wi-Fi-enabled, so you can control it (change temp, turn the unit on/off, create custom schedules etc.) remotely.

Our experts were impressed by the powerful 10,000 BTUs, enough to cool up to 450 square feet, making the Frigidaire an ideal fit for larger rooms or open concept homes.

Bonus: It works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can set it up for voice control if you own a smart speaker that works with those platforms.

Cooling area: 450 square feet
BTUs: 10,000
Dimensions: 19.8" x 19" x 14.5"
Weight: 63 pounds